alumnus Kennedy Solomon has been tapped as the new manager of state affairs for the RV Industry Association (RVIA), the national trade association for the recreational vehicle industry in the United States.
The 2014 graduate represents the membership association’s more than 500 manufacturers, suppliers, and other industry firms to state legislators, regulators, and recreational vehicle industry stakeholders around the country. The Northern Virginia-based organization’s federal and state affairs teams champion the RV industry on Capitol Hill and closely follow relevant legislation and policies.
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Solomon earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from San Francisco State University before moving across the country to earn his master’s degree in public policy from 鶹Ƶ’s .
His experience at the Schar School, he said, is “what got me interested in advocacy work,” Solomon said.
Solomon began his career in politics during his time at the Schar School, interning for U.S. Rep. Lacy Clay Jr. (D-MO), where he gained vital exposure to federal issues.
Soon after graduating from George 鶹Ƶ, Solomon returned to California, where he interned for State Assembly Member Bill Quirk (D).
“I gained a fundamental understanding of how state governments move faster than Congress,” Solomon said. “For instance, a bill could be introduced in January, and then by June, it’s implemented into law. I like the pace. That’s what essentially sparked my interest in state government affairs.”
In his current role as manager of state affairs, Solomon collaborates with industry stakeholders, educates lawmakers about industry issues, and works with RV Industry Association members to advocate for legislation nationwide that will help the RV industry continue to grow and thrive.
“As a policy enthusiast, the best part of my role is learning the key legislative issues and regulations that will impact the RV industry as a whole,” he said.
For Solomon, the RV industry is meaningful because it allows individuals to easily access the outdoors and its many resulting benefits.
“I’m passionate about some of the key issues that the RV industry touches on,” he said. “It gives people the ability to explore and create memories with their family and their friends. RVs also give people the ability to travel and experience the outdoors in unconventional ways, and spending time outdoors provides meaningful physical and mental health benefits. I’m happy to be a part of that.”
Solomon added that bipartisan support for outdoor recreation is another aspect he values.
“The outdoors brings people together, regardless of their political ideology,” he said. “I’m proud to be a part of an organization that helps foster unity so consumers can continue creating memories and enjoying the outdoors.”
The Master of Public Policy program at the Schar School teaches students to address a vast range of public concerns, including terrorism, human trafficking, gender studies, environmental hazards, and hunger. The program prepares students to move into influential positions in the policy world after developing skills in policymaking and analysis necessary to understand and solve critical problems.
Reprinted with permission of